Rock Springs Run
Alexander Springs
Wekiwa Springs
This gem of a state park is nestled at
the headwaters of the Wekiva River in
Apopka, offering gorgeous vistas. Swim in
the refreshing spring and explore 13 miles
of trails via hiking, biking or horseback
riding. Rent a canoe or kayak and make
your way along the Wekiva River and Rock
Springs Run. Stay awhile: Choose between
primitive camping or a full facility.
1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka; 407.884.2009
You’ll find sand pine scrub, swamps and
pine flatwoods in this stunning reserve.
Visitors enjoy miles of shoreline along Rock
Springs Run and the Wekiva River, but
swimming isn’t allowed. Activities include
biking, hiking, or horseback riding along
17 miles of trails. Plus, hunting is allowed
on select weekends in designated areas.
30601 CR 433, Sorrento; 407.884.2009
Green Springs
This recreation area is the only place in
the Ocala National Forest where you’re
allowed to scuba dive! It also offers
year-round swimming, snorkeling and
scuba diving in its turquoise, gently
sloped spring pool. You may want to
enjoy a multitude of other activities,
such as camping, canoeing, fishing, and
birding. For hikers, walk the boardwalk
over the spring on a short trail, or access
two parts of the Florida National Scenic
Trail. 49525 CR 445, Altoona; 352.669.3522
Blue Spring
De Leon Springs
Take in a stunning overlook of Spring
Garden Run at this 625-acre park. Snorkel,
dive or swim. Rent a canoe, paddle-boat
or kayak, dock your boat free or take a
boat tour into the Lake Woodruff National
Wildlife Refuge. Fishers have luck here
and birders love the park’s location on
the Great Florida Birding Trail. Hike a
4.2-mile or 1-mile nature trail and check
out the Butterfly Garden and 600-year-
old cypress tree. Don’t miss the Sugar
Mill Restaurant, where you can cook
your pancakes at the table. 601 Ponce de
Leon Blvd., De Leon Springs; 386.985.4212
Check out one of the state’s few green
sulfur springs. Early Native Americans
considered its water to be healing. Later,
the spring was part of a 19th-century
health resort and then part of a steamboat
baron’s large estate. While swimming and
fishing are not allowed, the 36-acre park
offers paved and nature trails, scenic
overlooks, a playground and picnic
pavilions. It also is a trail head for the
East Central Regional Rail Trail and the
Spring-to-Spring Trail. 994 Enterprise/
Osteen Road, Enterprise; 386.736.5953
Explore the largest spring on the St.
Johns River at this 2,600-acre park. Swim,
snorkel and scuba dive during swim
season; take a river boat tour or fish, canoe
and boat along the river. During manatee
season, mid-November through March,
the spring and run are closed to water
activity, but you can view several hundred
manatee atop the spring’s overlooks. Tour
the historic Thursby house, picnic, or
stay overnight in air-conditioned cabins
and a full-facility campground. 210